Selenium and Preeclampsia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Xu et al., 2016 | Biol Trace Elem Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Xu Min, Guo Dan, ... Lv Shuyan. Selenium and Preeclampsia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2016-Jun;171(2):283-292. doi:10.1007/s12011-015-0545-7

Abstract

Conflicting results exist between selenium concentration and preeclampsia. The role of selenium in the development of preeclampsia is unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the blood selenium level in patients with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women, and to determine the effectiveness of selenium supplementation in preventing preeclampsia. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, and relevant references for English language literature up to November 25, 2014. Mean difference from observational studies and relative risk from randomized controlled trials were meta-analyzed by a random-effect model. Thirteen observational studies with 1515 participants and 3 randomized controlled trials with 439 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Using a random-effect model, a statistically significant difference in blood selenium concentration of -6.47 μg/l (95 % confidence interval (CI) -11.24 to -1.7, p = 0.008) was seen after comparing the mean difference of observational studies. In randomized controlled trials, using a random-effect model, the relative risk for preeclampsia was 0.28 (0.09 to 0.84) for selenium supplementation (p = 0.02). Evidence from observational studies indicates an inverse association of blood selenium level and the risk of preeclampsia. Supplementation with selenium significantly reduces the incidence of preeclampsia. However, more prospective clinical trials are required to assess the association between selenium supplementation and preeclampsia and to determine the dose, beginning time, and duration of selenium supplementation.

Key Findings

However, more prospective clinical trials are required to assess the association between selenium supplementation and preeclampsia and to determine the dose, beginning time, and duration of selenium supplementation.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population preeclampsia and healthy pregnant
Sample Size 1515
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pre-Eclampsia
  • Pregnancy
  • Selenium

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09